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His To Protect
She was supposed to be nothing more than a political alliance.
A bargaining chip.
A promise made between powerful families.
Falling in love was never part of the arrangement.
Valentina Santoro has spent her entire life believing love is something earned through obedience, sacrifice, and silence. When she's forced into a marriage with Nico Barone, she expects another cage...just one with more expensive walls.
Nico built his reputation on loyalty, control, and ruthless violence. Protecting his new wife begins as a duty to his family, nothing more. But the longer she stands beside him, the more impossible it becomes to remember where obligation ends and something far more dangerous begins.
As old betrayals surface and enemies close in from every side, the fragile peace between Chicago's Five Families begins to fracture. In a world where power is bought with blood and trust is a luxury few survive, Nico and Val must decide if they're willing to risk everything for a love neither of them ever expected.
Because some vows are written in ink.
The most dangerous ones are written in blood.
His To Protect is a standalone HEA in the Empire Of Sin Series. This book can be read as a standalone or enjoyed with the other books in the series.
A bargaining chip.
A promise made between powerful families.
Falling in love was never part of the arrangement.
Valentina Santoro has spent her entire life believing love is something earned through obedience, sacrifice, and silence. When she's forced into a marriage with Nico Barone, she expects another cage...just one with more expensive walls.
Nico built his reputation on loyalty, control, and ruthless violence. Protecting his new wife begins as a duty to his family, nothing more. But the longer she stands beside him, the more impossible it becomes to remember where obligation ends and something far more dangerous begins.
As old betrayals surface and enemies close in from every side, the fragile peace between Chicago's Five Families begins to fracture. In a world where power is bought with blood and trust is a luxury few survive, Nico and Val must decide if they're willing to risk everything for a love neither of them ever expected.
Because some vows are written in ink.
The most dangerous ones are written in blood.
His To Protect is a standalone HEA in the Empire Of Sin Series. This book can be read as a standalone or enjoyed with the other books in the series.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Alexis Noelle
102 books817 followersAlexis Noelle lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, and kids. She loves spending time with her kids, although she has to hide the computer from them when she is writing! She love being active and being outdoors, especially if it involves any kind of shopping.
She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Alexis believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.
She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.
She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Alexis believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.
She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 2, 2026
4🌟 | 1.5🌶️
Nico and Valentina were such a fun pairing to follow!
They had such a fun fire-and-ice dynamic, and their sharp banter had me smiling throughout. Val is witty, strong, and determined, while Nico is the quiet, intimidating protector who only really lets his guard down around the people he loves.
I really enjoyed watching them slowly get past each other’s walls and discover the softer side of their relationship. Their chemistry worked so well, and the mix of tension, humor, and more emotional moments kept me invested. I also love how much the found family continues to grow, and seeing everyone together, especially with baby Camila, was just too sweet.
I flew through this one and had plenty of smiles, swoons, and little moments that made me want to keep reading. Nico and Val’s story was such a fun addition to the series, and I’m definitely attached to this whole group now.
This was another fun addition to the series.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Alexis Noelle for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Nico and Valentina were such a fun pairing to follow!
They had such a fun fire-and-ice dynamic, and their sharp banter had me smiling throughout. Val is witty, strong, and determined, while Nico is the quiet, intimidating protector who only really lets his guard down around the people he loves.
I really enjoyed watching them slowly get past each other’s walls and discover the softer side of their relationship. Their chemistry worked so well, and the mix of tension, humor, and more emotional moments kept me invested. I also love how much the found family continues to grow, and seeing everyone together, especially with baby Camila, was just too sweet.
I flew through this one and had plenty of smiles, swoons, and little moments that made me want to keep reading. Nico and Val’s story was such a fun addition to the series, and I’m definitely attached to this whole group now.
This was another fun addition to the series.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Alexis Noelle for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
September 1, 2026
His to Protect is Nico and Val’s story and it was an entertaining read. This author is fairly new to me and I’m struggling to understand why we haven’t crossed paths soon because this story drew me in from the first chapter and didn’t let me go until the final line was read.
This couple are together to solve a issue between their families and as much as there are plenty of tough topics in this story there is also plenty of witty, sarcastic banter between Nico and Val. He is the protector and she is a strong and sassy woman who knows what she wants.
I smiled, I swooned and at times I held my breath as I cheered this couple on. This is a romance that kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
This couple are together to solve a issue between their families and as much as there are plenty of tough topics in this story there is also plenty of witty, sarcastic banter between Nico and Val. He is the protector and she is a strong and sassy woman who knows what she wants.
I smiled, I swooned and at times I held my breath as I cheered this couple on. This is a romance that kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns I didn’t see coming.
September 2, 2026
5⭐️ 1.5🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 His to Protect 📖 by Alexis Noelle ✨
This is series is SO good. I loved book 1 with Matteo and Nina and the found family with Nico and Alessandro and that continued even more with book 2.
Valentina is quick witted and sharp tongued and a force to be reckoned with. She has never felt seen and accepted until she is forced into a political marriage.
Nico is cold and emotionless to everyone except his family. He is the silent protector.
Them together id fire and ice and 🔥wow.
I loved their banter and when they finally dropped their walls. The found family with everyone including baby Camila is precious and beautiful. I could not put this book down. I had all the feels. Can’t wait for book 3.
Thank you Alexis for the opportunity to review this book.
This is series is SO good. I loved book 1 with Matteo and Nina and the found family with Nico and Alessandro and that continued even more with book 2.
Valentina is quick witted and sharp tongued and a force to be reckoned with. She has never felt seen and accepted until she is forced into a political marriage.
Nico is cold and emotionless to everyone except his family. He is the silent protector.
Them together id fire and ice and 🔥wow.
I loved their banter and when they finally dropped their walls. The found family with everyone including baby Camila is precious and beautiful. I could not put this book down. I had all the feels. Can’t wait for book 3.
Thank you Alexis for the opportunity to review this book.
August 31, 2026
Nico and Val have great banter. They are together to solve a political issue between families. Val has a sharp tongue and quick wit but has been diminished by her family all her life. Nico is ever the protector.
As with many books she writes, the banter is back and forth and provides comedic relief throughout the book. It covers some very tough topics so make sure you check your trigger warnings. I love this group of people and the family they are forming. Not only with each couple but as a group. Overall great book! Can’t wait for the next one!!
As with many books she writes, the banter is back and forth and provides comedic relief throughout the book. It covers some very tough topics so make sure you check your trigger warnings. I love this group of people and the family they are forming. Not only with each couple but as a group. Overall great book! Can’t wait for the next one!!
September 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this book and the series so far. Nico is forced into marriage with Valentina to protect his sister. Valentina is strong independent and just wanted someone to want her for her to pick her. Their story was beautiful and amazing to read. I love the bond Nico Alessandro and Matteo share... absolutely amazing read with laughter tears and lots of cheers. Can't wait for the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nico and Val's story was amazing to read. I had the giggles and smirks all the way through it seeing their fight against it, true Italian mafia style, lol.
It will give you the feels, it will keep you in suspense and just make you want to keep coming back for more.
Looking forward to Alessandro and Sophia next for sure.
It will give you the feels, it will keep you in suspense and just make you want to keep coming back for more.
Looking forward to Alessandro and Sophia next for sure.
September 17, 2026
I love this series. From the slow burn to the witty banter to the realization that they belong together. the twist and turns in the book make it interesting as well.
September 4, 2026
His To Protect is a standalone HEA in the Empire Of Sin series. While it can be read on its own, I highly recommend reading Book 1 first to get to know Nico Barone and the rest of the characters from the start—he was such an incredible supporting character in the first book!
Nico has no intention of allowing anyone close to him besides his sister and his found family at the Vittorio Estate. That is, until Valentina.
Valentina Santoro has spent her entire life trying to earn a speck of affection from her blood family through obedience, sacrifice, and silence. When she's forced into a marriage with Nico Barone, she expects the same indifference.
Nico built his reputation on loyalty, control, and ruthless violence. But the longer Valentina stands beside him, the more she sees the real Nico beneath the surface. As tension boils across the city and enemies close in from every side, the Five Families alliance begins to fracture. Deep betrayals push Nico to the edge of burning down the city, forcing Nico and Val to decide if they're willing to risk everything for a love neither of them expected.
The synopsis ends with: "Because some vows are written in ink. The most dangerous ones are written in blood." Boy, is that true!
This book delivers all the tension, grit, and high-stakes drama mafia romance lovers crave. There were moments where I genuinely thought my heart would break 💔, and the suspense kept me reading way past my bedtime—I simply couldn't put it down until I knew they were going to be okay.
This is my second book by Alexis Noelle, and her writing style is sharp, direct, and brings the emotional weight straight off the page. I grabbed every free moment I had to read, finally finishing in the early hours of the morning. And that ending... oh boy! It’s not a cliffhanger for Nico and Val's story, but rather an explosive preview of what’s to come.
Please, Alexis Noelle, don't make us wait too long... Gimme Alessandro's book! 📖 🤯😍
Nico has no intention of allowing anyone close to him besides his sister and his found family at the Vittorio Estate. That is, until Valentina.
Valentina Santoro has spent her entire life trying to earn a speck of affection from her blood family through obedience, sacrifice, and silence. When she's forced into a marriage with Nico Barone, she expects the same indifference.
Nico built his reputation on loyalty, control, and ruthless violence. But the longer Valentina stands beside him, the more she sees the real Nico beneath the surface. As tension boils across the city and enemies close in from every side, the Five Families alliance begins to fracture. Deep betrayals push Nico to the edge of burning down the city, forcing Nico and Val to decide if they're willing to risk everything for a love neither of them expected.
The synopsis ends with: "Because some vows are written in ink. The most dangerous ones are written in blood." Boy, is that true!
This book delivers all the tension, grit, and high-stakes drama mafia romance lovers crave. There were moments where I genuinely thought my heart would break 💔, and the suspense kept me reading way past my bedtime—I simply couldn't put it down until I knew they were going to be okay.
This is my second book by Alexis Noelle, and her writing style is sharp, direct, and brings the emotional weight straight off the page. I grabbed every free moment I had to read, finally finishing in the early hours of the morning. And that ending... oh boy! It’s not a cliffhanger for Nico and Val's story, but rather an explosive preview of what’s to come.
Please, Alexis Noelle, don't make us wait too long... Gimme Alessandro's book! 📖 🤯😍
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews